Juror who made inappropriate joke about convicting accused fined £400

A man who jokingly asked his fellow jurors to convict the accused in a trial so they could get home for Christmas has been fined £400, The Herald reports.

David McClure, 53, was selected as a juror at Paisley Sheriff Court in the case of a man accused of assaulting his girlfriend.

Before hearing any evidence, Mr McClure said to his fellow jurors: “Can we not just find him guilty just now and all get home for Christmas?”

A court official heard the comment and informed Sheriff Colin Pettigrew who dismissed the jury, causing the trial to be abandoned and begun afresh with a new jury.

Mr McClure was sent to the cells for a day, after which he was found in contempt of court.

Jonathan Manson, defending, said Mr McClure’s actions were a result of his poor health.

Mr Manson explained: “He suffers from a number of medical difficulties and I think, to a certain extent, that might explain his conduct.

“He made a flippant remark, as a result of which, there were fairly serious consequences.

“He came to court with the best will in the world and then made this comment and found himself down in the cells in the company of other so-called criminals.”

He added: “He didn’t intend to cause any inconvenience. He made a very foolish remark and has suffered the consequences.”

Sheriff Pettigrew said: “Your actions caused considerable inconvenience to the court and others.

“The trial had to be abandoned and recommenced with an entirely new jury.

“I recognise you are remorseful and that you recognise your behaviour was wholly unacceptable. For you, at this time, a custodial sentence is not the only appropriate disposal. As it is not the only appropriate disposal it should not be imposed.”

He added Mr McClure’s comment had been “reckless in nature” and that the incident had been “entirely regrettable.”